With more than two decades of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and operations management, Marlow Hicks became the new managing director of UI Pharmaceuticals (UIP) in the summer of 2024.

Hicks brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspective to UIP, a unique service division that develops, manufactures, and performs analytical testing on medicinal drugs. UIP, which is part of the UI College of Pharmacy, produces both nonsterile products -- for example, capsules and tablets -- and sterile products, such as injectables. Its clients include small biotech and large pharmaceutical companies, university researchers, and governmental laboratories. 

All this and more makes UIP a standout facility, and under Hicks’ direction, it’s poised for continued growth and innovation.

Hicks holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree in project management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. His background includes a recent role with the Delaware Manufacturing Enterprise Partnership in Newark, Delaware, where he consulted with small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies to drive growth and profitability. 

Before that, Hicks held a senior position at Thermo Fisher Scientific, managing operations and revenue for over-the-counter and prescription drug development.

His career journey has taken him around the globe, managing operations and production facilities in countries like Singapore, China, and France. Hicks spent 15 years with Abbott Labs, where he gained in-depth experience in hospital solutions, device operations, and clinical-to-commercial drug development.

These diverse experiences have prepared him well for his current role. With a long-standing desire to be in a student-focused environment, Hicks was immediately intrigued by the opportunity at UIP and eager to explore its potential further.

“The ability to work within a university while running a manufacturing pharmaceutical operation was very attractive to me,” Hicks said.

His vision is to blend his operational expertise with UIP’s commitment to high-quality production, aiming to strengthen its reputation and expand its client base.

One of his primary goals is to fill UIP’s state-of-the-art facility to capacity by reaching new clients and showcasing UIP’s capabilities to the broader industry.

“The ability to work within a university while running a manufacturing pharmaceutical operation was very attractive to me.”     --Marlow Hicks

“We have the latest technologies and a fantastic facility, combined with years of experience,” Hicks said. “It’s exciting to go out into the world and introduce people to our capabilities.”

Hicks is also passionate about collaborating with the academic side of the College of Pharmacy. He sees great value in partnering with faculty and staff to create enriching experiences for students.

This approach, he hopes, will inspire more pharmacy students to consider manufacturing as a potential career path.

“Pharmacy students may not initially consider manufacturing, but we can give them valuable experience in how drugs are made,” Hicks said. “This helps them understand that when they dispense a medication, there’s a complex process behind it — from concept to reality. That’s where we come in.”

Hicks is motivated by the chance to support his team in achieving their professional goals and by his ability to engage with students considering careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

“The people I work with — my direct reports — I absolutely love them,” he said. “They have a high level of integrity and dedication. They want to please our customers. Working with a team like that makes my job easier.”

From expanding its global footprint to inspiring the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, Hicks looks forward to building on UIP’s success.